Northern California Vacuum Extraction Birth Injury Attorneys 

Skilled representation for newborns and their parents

Childbirth is not without risks to newborn and mother. While most deliveries go smoothly, complications can arise that require the use of medical interventions like vacuum extraction. Misuse of extraction tools can impact the health of the infant or the mother. If a vacuum extraction has caused harm to you or your baby, the personal injury attorneys at Mastagni Holstedt, APC in Sacramento can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. 

What is vacuum extraction?

Vacuum extraction is a medical procedure in which a suction cup is placed on the baby’s head to pull the baby through the birth canal. Doctors employ this when labor is not progressing satisfactorily, the baby is in distress or an exhausted mother is unable to push effectively. 

Risks associated with vacuum extraction

Vacuum extraction carries risk of injury to both the baby and the mother. The most common birth injuries include:

• Scalp bruises — In some cases, the baby may develop a hematoma (blood clot) beneath the skin.
• Brachial plexus palsy — Forceful traction can damage the nerves around the neck, leading to temporary or permanent nerve injury known as brachial plexus palsy. This can cause weakness or loss of movement in the arm.
• Intracranial bleeding — Pressure from the vacuum extractor can lead to bleeding in the brain, a serious condition that may have long-term consequences.
• Fractures — Vacuum extraction can produce broken collarbones or clavicle fractures.
• Cerebral palsy — In severe cases, excessive force used during the procedure may cause oxygen deprivation, leading to cerebral palsy.

Vacuum extraction also carries risks for the mother, which include:

• Tearing and lacerations — The process can inflict vaginal or perineal tears, which may require stitching and time to heal. Additionally, a mother could suffer pelvic floor damage or uterine rupture, requiring medical treatment.
• Increased risk of infection — Any surgical intervention during delivery increases the risk of infections for the mother.

A personal injury attorney at our firm can help determine whether you are entitled to compensation for your injury.

Signs of medical negligence in vacuum extraction cases

The following are red flags that may indicate medical malpractice or negligence during the procedure:

• Failure to monitor the baby’s condition — The baby showed signs of distress but the doctor failed to take appropriate steps, such as properly monitoring the heart rate.
• Excessive force — The doctor applied excessive force during the vacuum extraction. 
• Delayed intervention — The medical team delayed performing the procedure despite indications that it was necessary to prevent harm.
• Lack of informed consent — The doctor did not fully inform the mother of the risks of vacuum extraction or failed to discuss alternative delivery methods.

If our attorneys find evidence of malpractice, we aggressively pursue your claim.

Understanding your rights after a vacuum extraction injury

In California, a parent must bring a child’s birth injury claim before its eighth birthday. To present a successful case, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced birth injury attorney. A lawyer specializing in medical malpractice can investigate the circumstances of the delivery, gather expert testimony, and determine whether negligence was involved.

Contact our determined personal injury lawyers to discuss your birth injury claim

Mastagni Holstedt, APC, with offices in Sacramento, Rancho Cucamonga, Pleasanton and Redwood City, represents parents and newborns who have sustained birth injuries. To learn more, call us at or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.